Our #SparkofScience series showcases our talented science interpreters sharing their favorite science experiments—some you can even do at home!
New episode! We know that going into space affects the bodies of astronauts. So how does it affect their hearts? And how can you listen to your own? Science Interpreter Al is pumped and ready to show you!
Static Electricity
Did you know that you can bend water? Science Interpreter Fox puts a spark in this #sparkofscience and shows you how to do a cool trick using static electricity!
Barany Chair
Calling all future astronauts - do you know what a barany chair is? Floor Programs Manager Jacqui explains how it works and how to make your own!
Seeds
We all know that plants come from seeds. But how does that work? And where can you find them? Traveling Science Show Presenter David Green-Thumbs Wrigley will inspire your love of seeds.
Buoyancy
Camp Programs Supervisor Buddy explains buoyancy - and show you how to build your own boat!
Earth Day
Science Interpreter Al celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day with an experiment about the water cycle.
After Image
Science Interpreter Fox explains how prolonged staring can cause you to see a colorful after image!
Handwashing
Science Interpreter Al tells us why soap is so effective against viruses and show us the proper way to wash your hands thoroughly!
Bike Gears
David Henry Wrigley teaches us how the ratio between the teeth of the front and back gears affect our ride.
Crystals
Science Interpreter Al teaches us how to make our own crystals!
⚠️ Adult supervision needed. ⚠️
Condensation
Have you noticed that when it's really cold outside, you can see your breath? Do you know why? Traveling Science Show Presenter David Henry Wrigley explains.
Leap Year
Did you know that #2020 is a leap year? But how does this work? Science Interpreter Fox explains this mystery of time and space.
Electrolysis
We're going to use water to make a fire. Wait, what? Traveling Science Show Presenter Kaitlin shows us one of her favorite experiments.
⚠️ Don't try this at home. ⚠️
Holiday Edition
Happy Holidays from The Franklin Institute! In this special edition of #SparkofScience, Science Interpreters Stephen and Brittany are excited to share a little happiness, cheer and science from some of your favorite holidays.
Red Eye
You know how, when you take a photo, sometimes your eyes might glow red? While there are plenty of apps that can fix it, do you know WHY it happens? Fox shines a light on this mystery.
Ultrasound
Have you ever seen an ultrasound picture, but had no idea what you were looking at? Science Interpreter Brittany decodes these interesting machines. Want to learn more? Stop by our Giant Heart exhibit!
Combustion
Around here, we love experimenting with combustion. But how it does actually work? Science Interpreter Al breaks it down for us.
⚠️ Adult supervision needed. ⚠️
Candles
Looking for a party trick to amaze your guests this holiday season? Traveling Scientist David Wrigley has you covered.
⚠️ Adult supervision needed. ⚠️
Hovercraft
Do you know how to make a hovercraft? Science Interpreter Stephen shows you how to create your own at home!
Vacuum Chamber
Are you ready to talk about air? Science Interpreter Fox wants to chat about the impressive and exciting qualities of the gasses that keep us alive.
⚠️ Adult supervision needed. ⚠️
Halloween Edition
Happy Halloween! Science Interpreter Al and Camp Programs Supervisor Buddy teamed up for a special and extra spooky edition of #SparkofScience!
⚠️ Don't try this at home. ⚠️
The Theramin
A theremin can produce music that is both unique and eerie. Science Interpreter Stephen shows you how it's done in this Spook of Science.
Hydrogen Bubbles
What happens when you add hydrogen to soap and water and then light it on fire? Science Interpreter Fox is here to answering this burning question.
⚠️ Don't try this at home. ⚠️
Genie in a Bottle
Ever wondered why hydrogen peroxide is stored in dark bottles? Science Interpreter Al explains chemical decomposition.
⚠️ Don't try this at home. ⚠️
Liquid Nitrogen
Science Interpreter Stephen shows us the mischievous nature of Liquid Nitrogen.
⚠️ Don't try this at home. ⚠️
Lasers
Ever wonder how lasers work or how strong they really are? Traveling Science Presenter Anna decodes these devices.
⚠️ Adult supervision needed. ⚠️
Voice & Air
How does the air around us impact our voices? Science Interpreters Al and Jacqui join forces to show us.
⚠️ Adult supervision needed. ⚠️
Hurricanes
Traveling Science Show Presenter Kaitlin explores one of the essential ingredients for hurricanes - air.
Tesla Coil
Our Science Intepreter, Fox, has a pretty cool way of making music using electricity in this episode of #SparkofScience.
Super Conductors
Science Interpreter Al teaches us about super conductors and the magic of magnetic levitation.
⚠️ Don't try this at home. ⚠️
Hoot Tube
Traveling Science Presenter Kaitlin shows us how she uses a blowtorch to create music.
⚠️ Adult supervision needed. ⚠️
Armonica
Science Interpreter Stephen teaches us about sound waves using one of Benjamin Franklin's inventions.
Parabolic Mirror
Floor Programs Volunteer Manager Shanna shows us just how powerful the sun's energy really is.
⚠️ Adult supervision needed. ⚠️
Kaowool
Traveling Science Show Presenter Anna teaches us how kaowool works and how it helps protect astronauts in re-entry.
⚠️ Don't try this at home. ⚠️
Alka-Rockets
Floor Programs Manager Jacqui shows us how to make Alka-Rockets in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.
⚠️ Adult supervision needed. ⚠️
Fireworks
Science Interpreter Brittany is putting the 'spark' is this #sparkofscience video and teaching us all about fireworks!
⚠️ Don't try this at home. ⚠️
Glovaphone
Science Interpreter Fox teaches us how to turn ordinary household items into a musical instrument!
Fire Tornadoes
Floor Programs Manager Jacqui Schneider teaches us about fire tornadoes!
⚠️ Don't try this at home. ⚠️
Kinetic Energy
Science Interpreter Stephen shows us a simple experiment you can do at home that teaches us about kinetic energy.